Best camping in Mounds State Park, IN 2025

Stories from the community

Weekend Trip to Sugar Maple Grove Campground

Gorgeous and quiet property with clean facilities. The wildflowers were beautiful and his cats are very sweet! Definitely recommend to anyone passing through, Robert was super kind and a great host!

Weekend Trip to Sugar Maple Grove Campground

Great place! Plenty of space and great outhouse. We will be back!

3 nights at Hidden Valley Fun Time Happy Camp!

We had a great time! Loved the site we had, it was right on the water. My granddaughters had a blast playing in the river and fishing.

Weekend Trip to Hidden Valley Fun Time Happy Camp!

Tent camping here was so beautiful and peaceful. Not many other people around, which was nice. The view was so beautiful. Makes one feel secluded yet not far away from everything. Would love to return.

3 nights at Hidden Valley Fun Time Happy Camp!

We thoroughly enjoyed our time camping here. Whitney was kind and showed us around the property when we arrived. He also mentioned a few good places around to eat as well. This camp spot is very close to town, less than 5 minute drive to Walmart. It was nice for going to get ice or anything you may have forgotten, but also know it is in Muncie. We caught a couple fish and or dogs enjoyed splashing in the river. We brought our popup camper and handle ample space to set up as well as access to electric. If you’re looking for something with access to water, close to town, but in the woods this was a great spot.

Weekend Trip to The Rusted Plow

Nice quiet place - until sunup when the chickens start to squawking. But really that’s part of the attraction. Site was nice with a fire ring and a relaxing view. Once dark the fireflies came out and it was really cool. The trip from the highway to Tina’s was interesting in itself and showed us a part of Indiana we didn’t know existed. We stopped for a quick overnight on our way west and it worked perfect for us.

1 night at Hidden Valley Fun Time Happy Camp!

This is by far one of my most favorite places to camp, Whitney is the best host I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting I highly recommend staying at Hidden Valley Fun Time Happy Camp

Weekend Trip to Hidden Valley Fun Time Happy Camp!

Loved our tent/hammock experience here! We were right on the river and our kids enjoyed playing the whole time. Whitney was super kewl and helpful. He also has kayaks and offered to pick us up for a small fee and if we wanted to float the river and even told us about some cool places to check out nearby. We already plan on coming back next year

Weekend Trip to Lazy Acres

Jeremy and Tonya have created a neat place to camp for one night or more. We had signed up for one campsite, but once we arrived, Jeremy helped us pick a site that was better for my car towing a little trailer. The place has a clean outhouse, fun signs around, and my friend Tulio and I were the first ones to try out his new portable shower which we much appreciated after a long day on the road. Jeremy, his brother and a daughter brought a picnic table closer to our site and he offered to set up a fire pit for us if we wanted one. We enjoyed picking some fresh mulberries from a tree right near our tent and gathered some fresh blackberries on a trail at the back end of the camp. In the morning, he brought me a cup of coffee so we sat and had a nice long chat comparing some diverse experiences in life and sharing ideas about ways to add some nice touches to his camp and improve attendance while maintaining its intimate feeling and character. He genuinely enjoys meeting people from other parts of the country and the world who respect the serene quality of his camp.

Weekend Trip to Cattail Springs

Cole and his wife have an absolutely beautiful private campground on a great well stocked private lake … catch and release but huge slabs of Bluegill Came by several times inquiring of our needs…. And continues to improve…. Location is just miles from amenities and Wife and high will be back very soon and highly recommend a visit…. Tent camping to 30 amp and soon to have water hookups 10 stars*****

Weekend Trip to Cattail Springs

We had a lovely time here. The hosts were total sweet hearts and good people. The site was beautiful and very quite and peaceful. The porta potty was clean and we were given firewood with the hosts just asking for a donation in return. The location is perfect as anything we needed / wanted to do was within 15 minutes from the site. The trees provided excellent shade as it was a very toasty weekend. The fireflys were abundant and we even happened to see fireworks the last night. Honestly, only slight complaint I have is the large amount of broken glass we found. A few pieces here and there is expected when camping outdoors but we found quite a lot. We made sure to clean it up as we didnt want any future guests getting hurt. Especially if any kids stay here who despise shoes as much as I do haha. I thank the hosts for allowing us the opportunity to stay on there property and get some much needed relaxation in. Would highly reccomend to bring extra bug spray as well.

Weekend Trip to Acacia Farms

Ample parking, easy access, close to town Flat nicely manicured lawn for the dogs Afternoon visit with the goats, super friendly and sweet. All the necessities for a comfortable stay, doing your business in a bucket wasn’t as terrible as I thought Showering outside was actually peaceful, bring your own toiletries there are towels supplied

1 night at Heritage Farm Stay Adventure

Awesome place to stay. We stayed in our 28 ft travel trailer - 30amp service was available and the farm was so relaxing. Our family had a great time and will definitely return. https://youtu.be/0MC9l9nktcg?si=KhYZBg8WBy1OK1Sx

1 night at Heritage Farm Stay Adventure

Very cosy and private. I was able to pitch my tent under a shelter in case it rained, which was nice. I was right next to the creek with a little waterfall and beside that a pond. So at night, I had the sound of the running water and the croaking of the frogs to lull me to sleep.

1 night at Sugar Maple Grove Campground

As advertised. We went directly to our campsite and setup. We were the only campers there AFAIK. Easy to find as it is listed on Google maps. Private and nice looking property. Great views of the night sky.

Weekend Trip to Cattail Springs

Cole was warm and welcoming. Obviously loves his property. The Cove was secluded and very shaded, sitting right next to the pond with a pleasant breeze.

Weekend Trip to Heritage Farm Stay Adventure

We loved camping with our 3 kids at Heritage Farm! The kids had so much fun playing in the creek, seeing the farm animals and sliding down the slide. They all asked if we could come back again! We really liked the Creekside-give me shelter site. It felt private, had great creek access and the shelter was nice to have. Such a great spot for families and would highly recommend!

Weekend Trip to Hidden Valley Fun Time Happy Camp!

Loved this campsite! Whitney is a great host. Perfect little paradise on the river. Kids had a blast!

Weekend Trip to Cattail Springs

We were testing out a new trailer on Cole’s property for one night and it went very well. Cole came and welcomed us and let us set up in a more scenic area on the property. Very comfortable and our dogs had some freedom to roam a little bit. Thanks guys!

Weekend Trip to Blue Water Lake

Im glad everyone else is sleeping on this hidden gem! Definitely the best way to spend a 95* summer day. We had the entire lake to ourselves. I paddled around all day, with my dog, on my SUP sipping beer. No DD required. In the evening, we sat on the beach, lawn chairs half in the water. The camp site was nice, big enough for two tents and a picnic table. The hosts were very kind and generous. No complaints at all. The port a John smelled bad, but let's face it. Its super hot, and a toilet. There was air freshener spray, which again was thoughtful. We would definitely come back. Thank you for the pleasant stay

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Camp Ames

3 sites · RVs15 acres · Peru, IN

We established this homestead in 1981. The original 10 acres grew to 15 after acquiring our neighbors smaller lots. With one of those properties we used the well and septic and built camp sites to entertain our friends and family. We have opened this up to some outside travelers to attract interest in our local community. Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, and Class C RVs allowed. All campers must be self contained with your own bathroom. Learn more about this land: Camp Ames is located on the scenic Mississinewa River 3.5 miles outside of Peru, Indiana. We have full service camp sites. The camp shack is appointed with a picnic table and TV to catch up on the latest news. Bald eagles are a huge attraction in this area. Acres Trust Nature Preserve is a short walk away. We have our own 4 acre wildflower meadow that attracts many butterflies and birds during the summer months. It's just a peaceful, quiet place to visit. Cell phone service is not great here but not totally absent if you stand in the right place. Wi-Fi is available. This is our private camp ground and not a for public use unless arrangements are made with us. We will assign your site before your arrival. A vacancy on this site does not mean we have availability as our friends and family may be visiting. When requesting a site please include a description of your camper, the number of people and how many amps your camper requires. This help us place you on a site if one is available. Suggested Local Attractions:The World's Greatest Amateur Circus: Peru, Indiana, is also known as the "Circus City". In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Peru was home to the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus and others. Even the Ringling Brothers Circus wintered there for a while. For 10 days each July, Peru celebrates the Circus City Festival with rides, crafts, food, games, and more. The highlight, however, is the live amateur circus that has performances throughout the festival. A unique and authentic experience that echoes the early heyday of the circus, this is a fun event not to be missed. Performers are locals, some of whom are direct descendants of professional performers in the earlier shows. Even if a visit is timed to occur outside of July, a visit to the small but impressive International Circus Hall of Fame might be worth the trip. Circus Hall of Fame is located 1.8 miles from Camp Ames. Grissom Air Museum: Located 7.6 miles from Camp Ames There are some great interactive displays inside the museum for the kids to sit inside the cockpits of mock ups for pictures and the planes throughout the grounds are well maintained and offer interesting facts. Great Air Museum Celebrating the Aviation History of Grissom Air Force Base. Miami County Museum: Located 3.6 miles from Camp Ames Cole Porter's custom 1955 Cadillac, circus carvings, a stagecoach, the World's Tallest Man's overalls, a fantastic collection of rifles, Clyde Beatty's lion tamer's outfit, lots of farm and pioneer items, Miami Indian relics. Mississinewa Resevoir: Located 3 miles from Camp Ames Mississinewa Lake is a seasonal resevoir designed for flood control. That said, depending on rainfall during the summer, many recreational activities are available. Swimming at the beach, boating, and fishing. A nice campground and hiking are also on site. Nickel Plate Trail: Located 2.9 miles from Camp Ames This asphalt trail is one of the best in the State to ride or walk on!!! It keeps getting better because the trail keeps getting extended with more pathway added. The volunteers do a superb job up keeping this 50 mile path. Make this a to do for a beautiful Fall ride once the leaves begin to change. You'll be immersed in intense colors and wonderful woodsy sights and smells. Seven Pillars: Located 0.8 miles from Camp Ames This breathtaking formation along the Mississinewa River was created over the centuries as wind and water eroded the limestone, carving rounded buttresses and alcoves into the north bluff of the river. Seven Pillars Nature Preserve - Acres Land Trust - Located 0.3 miles from Camp Ames! This preserve on the south side of the Mississinewa River is named after the landmark 25-foot limestone pillars, also owned by ACRES, which are located on the north side of the river. On top of the bluff grow red cedar, Juneberry and shadbush. In the preserve are beech, maple and other trees, as well as open meadow. The Miami Nation continues to gather at the pillars. The preserve is 148 acres of woods open to the public to walk the woods. There is 1.8 miles of trail. PRESERVE RULES: As a preserve visitor, you are responsible for keeping these habitats undisturbed. Follow these rules to allow the preserve’s plants, wildlife and natural formations to thrive here, in place, for generations: Open Dawn til Dusk, Foot Traffic Only, Dogs Allowed, Always On Leash,Take Nothing, Leave Nothing, Stay On The Trails McClure’s Orchard/Winery: Located 9.8 miles from Camp Ames A small, family-owned and operated apple farm nestled in the rolling hills of northern Indiana, located an hour from Indianapolis. Currently growing 125 varieties of apples, which throughout the season are available for u-pick or already picked. Beginning Labor Day Weekend, ride the tractor and trolley through the Orchard, for tours and apple picking. Toward the end of September through October, the trolley will stop in the pumpkin patch for u-pick. There is no parking or admission fee, and no charge for the ride through the Orchard. More than apples and pumpkins, there’s a playground area and petting zoo for the kids (and the kiddos at heart). During September and October, saddle up a horse, and take a horse ride on the weekends for $1. On most weekends, there’s live music; so, be sure to check the website to see who is playing and which day. McClure’s has a café serving delicious food, made fresh daily. The apple dumplings are amazing! The adults in the group can also sample or enjoy a glass of McClure’s award-winning wine and hard cider. In 2019 a down town location was opened on the Wabash River featuring Wine Tasting just 3.4 miles from Camp Ames. Preslie Meadow: Located at Camp Ames Preslie Meadow is a acre wildflower habitat. Established in 2018. Paths are provided to walk and enjoy the beauty. An array of wildflowers can be seen at different times in the spring and summer months. Birds, butterflies, bunnies and deer benefit from the meadow. Photographers and admirers walk the paths and drive by all season. Visitors are welcome and ask not to pick the flowers. Named after the daughter of JR and Marla Dennis of Kokomo. Preslie Lynn Dennis passed from injuries sustained in a car accident on June 22, 2018. She was just short of her 18th birthday and ready to leave for boot camp to serve our country in the United States Army having already served in the National Guard. This multi-talented young lady left us all heart broken. Preslie Meadow lets her memory and beauty live on.

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Camping in Mounds State Park guide

Overview

About

Named after the earthworks by the prehistoric tribe Adena-Hopewell, Mounds State Park is probably one of the coolest things in Indiana. Go for a guided program at the Nature Center for a better understanding of these masterpieces, or go alone and experience it your own personal way. Geocatch the day away, or laze around in the swimming pool. Go for a relaxing fishing adventure and picnic alongside the White River. The opportunities are endless and begging to be explored at Mounds State Park!

Notable campgrounds

Electric Sites: Choose from 75 sites offering electric hookups for a comfortable camping experience amid the park's natural beauty.
Youth Tent Areas: Ideal for group camping, these areas provide a perfect setting for young adventurers to experience the great outdoors.
Dumping Station: Conveniently located for campers, the dumping station adds ease to your stay at Mounds State Park.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, as campsites at Mounds State Park are in high demand, especially during peak seasons.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Keep an eye on cancellation policies and check back regularly for newly available sites.
Explore nearby camping options to ensure you have a backup plan in case the park is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Mounds State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers a full range of activities but can be quite warm. Winters are quiet, with fewer programs and cooler temperatures.

Know before you go

Check the park's official website for any trail closures or special advisories before your visit.
Remember to stay on marked trails to protect both the environment and your own safety.
The Nature Center is open from 9am to 4pm daily, offering educational displays and interactive games.
Accessibility is a priority; inquire at the Visitor Center for any assistance you may need during your stay.
For a seamless visit, familiarize yourself with the park's rules and regulations, including fishing licenses and pet policies.

Camping in Mounds State Park

Top camping in Mounds State Park

1. Mounds State Park Campground

Popular ways to camp

Camper favorites near Mounds State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Sherfick Farms

Mud Creek Campgrounds

Lazy Acres

H.E.R. LIVING CAMPUS

Restwood Camp

The Rusted Plow

Palafox Paradise

Marick Acres

Stories from the community

Top-rated campgrounds near Mounds State Park

Hidden Valley Fun Time Happy Camp!

Heritage Farm Stay Adventure

Cattail Springs

The Healing Hill Homestead

Sugar Maple Grove Campground

Urban Farm

Camp Ames

Blue Water Lake

♥ Uncle Bob's Backwoods

Thirsty Acres

Acacia Farms

Blue River Sports

Other options near Mounds State Park

Walnut Grove Campground

S&H Campground

Springhill Campground

Raceview Family Campground

Grandpa’s Farm Campground & RV Park

Archway Campground

Heartland Resort

Johnson County Fairground Campground

Lake Haven Retreat

Indy Lakes and RV Campground

Camping in Mounds State Park guide

Overview

About

Notable campgrounds

Tips for snagging a campsite

When to go

Know before you go

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